The gaming headset market often presents diminishing returns above the $150 mark, making it increasingly challenging to justify pricier options. Turtle Beach's Stealth Pro II, however, makes a compelling case for its $350 cost by packing in a comprehensive suite of features, including large drivers, a charging dock that doubles as a wireless receiver, and a spare receiver.
Sound and Comfort
The headset features 60 mm Eclipse dual drivers, capable of producing a frequency response from 10 Hz to 40 kHz. Despite weighing nearly 400 grams, the Stealth Pro II is comfortable, thanks to its plush earcups and well-padded headband. While the weight takes some adjustment, the overall build, a robust combination of plastics, metal, and fabric, feels substantial. The headband adjustment requires significant force to extend, which ensures a secure fit but can feel awkward to adjust while wearing the headset. The range of adjustment may also be limited for those with smaller head sizes.
Feature Set and Battery Life
Setup is straightforward, with the package including the headset, a battery charging dock, a spare receiver, and a USB cable. The charging dock also functions as a wireless receiver, allowing for seamless switching between PC and console with a press of a button. The magnetic side plate on the left earcup provides access to the battery compartment. While not hot-swappable, the headset reconnects rapidly after a battery swap, minimizing downtime. Each battery offers approximately 40 hours of use, and the inclusion of two batteries provides a near-limitless power supply, a system previously seen in models like SteelSeries' Arctis Nova Pro.
Microphone and Software
The detachable 9 mm unidirectional microphone delivers clear and full-bodied audio, suitable even for recording podcasts or videos. The AI noise reduction, while present, can flatten the sound, making it preferable to disable it for optimal microphone quality. The headset also includes a built-in microphone for on-the-go use. Buttons on both earcups are tactile and easy to differentiate, with some being reprogrammable via the Turtle Beach Swarm II software. The Swarm II application offers extensive control over volume, EQ settings, ANC, and enables features like 'Superhuman Hearing.' The active noise cancellation effectively filters out ambient PC noise without introducing distortion.
Audio Performance and Immersion
The Stealth Pro II's audio profile is balanced and finely tuned. In games like Counter-Strike 2, the headset delivers impactful sound, from the thud of the AWP to subtle footsteps, creating an engrossing atmosphere. Its sound design also enhances the ambiance in titles such as Mixtape and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, with clear separation between music, sound effects, and dialogue. The dual driver design, separating woofer and tweeter, contributes to enhanced clarity across the sound spectrum. In music, the headset provides a full and deep soundstage, making tracks from artists like Aphex Twin sound incredibly immersive. Even with bass-heavy EQ modes, the headset maintains clarity for more subtle musical pieces.
Comparison and Connectivity
Compared to the Audeze Maxwell's 90 mm planar magnetic drivers, the Stealth Pro II's 60 mm drivers offer a distinct gaming-focused experience. While the Maxwell may be technically clearer and less expensive, the Stealth Pro II provides a more immersive and punchy sound. The Turtle Beach offering is characterized by a stronger bass presence, making it a more traditional gaming headset, whereas the Maxwell leans towards a more neutral sound profile. The headset can also reach very high volumes, with 60% volume often being sufficient for most listening scenarios.
Connectivity has been a strong point, with the Stealth Pro II establishing a near-instant connection without any dropouts. Its wireless range is also notably impressive, maintaining a stable connection even through thick walls. The ability to connect via both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously adds further utility for managing calls and in-game audio. The headset has also proven durable, sustaining only minor cosmetic damage after an accidental drop.
Conclusion
While the $350 price point positions the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II as a significant investment, it delivers a premium audio experience for gamers. The combination of excellent sound and microphone quality, a robust feature set including swappable batteries, and impressive audio fidelity makes it a strong contender in the high-end gaming headset market. Despite the cost and minor design quirks, the Stealth Pro II largely justifies its price tag through its performance and immersive sound capabilities.